About

Founded in 1976, Santa Barbara Middle School is a co-educational school that offers students in grades 6-9 a profound educational experience combining Academics, Creative Arts & Sports, Outdoor Education, and Community Involvement.

Academics

We understand teenagers. Our well-structured curriculum emphasizes depth, individualization, and engagement. Year after year, we modify our program to meet the rigorous academic requirements of a rapidly changing world.

Community

Community service provides awareness of social issues and SBMS students gain exposure to many career possibilities and responsibilities through our annual career study week. These experiences develop self-assuredness, along with a clarity of purpose that is invaluable.

Outdoor Education

SBMS’s unique, accredited, Outdoor Education Program challenges students through rigorous expeditions in the wilderness. Students and faculty embark on learning adventures by bicycle, on foot, and at sea.

Journey with us

For more than 40 years, SBMS has honed our curriculum, outdoor education, and teaching philosophy to further our students’ self-discovery and capacity for global thinking. Through authentic relationships, thought-provoking classes and outdoor expeditions, students face challenge and overcome adversity, which leads to resilience. This “Hero’s Journey” is their process of becoming.

Every hero needs a support team. The generous contributions from our community allow us to weather storms and celebrate success as we maintain and expand our school programs. We offer our heroes the best possible middle school experience. Thank you for joining us.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about how to contribute to the SBMS experience, please contact Development Director Phoebe Hitchman at 805-563-9781 or phoebe@sbms.org. SBMS is a registered 501(c)3 organization that can receive charitable contributions. The school's tax ID number is 95-3134383.

Santa Barbara Middle School cultivates in our students passion for life and life-long learning, a deep sense of trust in themselves, strength and courage to succeed at life's challenges, and compassion and respect for others.